You are allowed to herd 1999 sheep at a
time -- legally -- down Hollywood Boulevard
in California. Add one more sheep to the
flock and you'll break the law!
Fact from http://www.insurancetrainers.org/PDF/California_Fun_Facts.pdf
In London, cab drivers (prior to 1976)
were required to carry a bale of hay to
feed horses, but sheep are given the Royal
Treatment -- they're allowed to cross the
London Bridge without paying the toll.
Fact from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4527223.stm
In Japan, if you followed the flock in purchasing an inexpensive imported British or Australian Poodle, and it refuses to bark, won't fetch, and doesn't care for dog food, then there's a good chance you've had the wool pulled over your eyes -- you purchased a sheep!
Fact from http://www.anorak.co.uk/news/strange-but-true/172823.html
And here in Connecticut, a local zoo was fleeced when a patron got in without paying admission; they're considering letting her off the hook by mowing the zoo's lawns. The patron is a bandana wearing sheep found at the front gate. The Beardsley Zoo is hoping Little Bo Peep will show up with an explaination.
Fact from: http://www.connpost.com/ci_5768544?source=most_emailed
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Monday, April 30, 2007
Did Ewe Know: Sheepish Laws & Happenings
Sunday, April 29, 2007
2007 CT Sheep & Wool Festival ... Where Crochet Rocked!
While the weather forecast was not up to par, crochet shined brightly at the 98th Connecticut Sheep & Wool Fiber Festival!
We awoke very early in the morning and arrived at the Tolland Agricultural Center located in Vernon, CT, in record time. Upon our arrival we learned that there was already a group of people waiting for us to teach them crochet! So while HHCC members Grace, Ritu and I set up the booth, we had member Elaine start the lessons. (She's going for her Crochet Teaching Certification)
We had several types of crochet on exhibit: a felted bag, freeform crochet, a beaded bikini top, a shawl featuring yarn Ritu had spun herself, several Tunisian crochet pieces, and some other items. Our focus was on using natural fibers, and projects that were not what one would consider to be "grandma's crochet." It worked! Some of the comments we received were:
"Wow, this is nothing like what I thought crochet was! I thought it was all doilies and granny squares -- these items are amazing!" (note: we did not have one doily or granny square on display!)
"This looks like knitting; are you sure it's not knitted?" (note: it was Tunisian!)
" I thought crochet was for grannies only; I had no idea you could do these sorts of projects with crochet!" (note: the story about the grannies making undergarments in Europe was told, along with the story about the designer making a chair out of doilies and selling if for $40,000 -- this also helped change the opinion about what "grannies" are crocheting!)
Other fun included meeting members from various online groups I am a member of, as well as shopping and going for an Oxen hay ride. I treated myself to some silk hankies from "A Touch of Twist" and a new wooden crochet hook from "Grafton Fibers." Of course I couldn't resist playing with my new "finds" so I started crocheting with the raw silk -- unspun! This drew interest from people visiting our booth/demo area and so I did an impromptu demonstration; afterwards many rushed back to the silk hankie vendor so they could buy enough supplies to try the technique themselves! LOL
It was indeed a great day -- we taught many how to crochet, and we changed many people's ideas of what crochet is, or could be! We met many wonderful people, and we do hope that we'll be able to repeat this fantastic experience next year!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Dodging Rain Drops for Sheep?
I'll be there tomorrow with members of my Crochet Guild of America Chapter, The Happily Hooked on Crocheting Club! The weather is forecasted to be a beautiful sunny day -- perfect for a day of shopping, seeing sheep, learning new things, taking an oxen ride & more!
This will be our first year as demonstrators; we'll be in the white building/barn where most of the demonstrations take place, so do consider stopping by and saying hello! We'd love to meet you!!
For details about last year's event, see my entry here: A Fiberlishious Adventure
Tags: crochet, connecticut, sheep & wool, connecticut sheep & wool festival
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Earth, Wind & Fire: Baby I like the way you move ....
So, tonight, I encourage you to go and visit the 2007 International Freeform Fiberarts exhibit to see the wonderful Earth, Wind, Air & Fire works!
...And while you're there, also check out the Tree of Life/Tree of Peace exhibit. I'm really looking forward to seeing it in person this summer at the National CGOA Conference!
Many thanks to Myra Wood for spearheading this great exhibit!
And now, a little music ...
Spring/Summer 2007 Crochet Classes: Bethel, CT
Get help with your crochet, or learn a new technique! Class size is limited, so sign-up early to ensure your seat is reserved!
Location: A Stitch In Time
276 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, CT
Contact: (203) 748-1002
* Dee is a member of the Crochet Guild of America. Show your CGOA membership card at time of class sign-up and get $2.00 off of Dee's Classes!
(Discount does not apply to supplies)
Stitch Social:
Work on your own project while getting help on fixing errors or techniques.
May 1, 8, 15, 22; June 5, 12
Tuesday mornings: 10 - Noon. Cost: $15 per session
Absolute Beginner:
Learn the basics of crochet! This class concentrates on the slip knot, the chain, the single crochet, counting stitches, and ending off.
2nd Tuesdays of the Month: May 8; June 12
Time: 12:30 - 2:30pm Cost: $20 per session, plus supplies
Absolute Beginner, Part II:
This class is geared towards those that have taken Absolute Beginner, or need a refresher in crochet basics. Class will concentrate on reading patterns, gauge, and getting you started on that first official project. Note: participants should already have selected pattern/supplies for their first project prior to start of class.
Tuesday: May 15; June 5
Time: 12:30 - 2:30pm Cost: $20 per session, plus supplies
Bead Crochet Workshop:
Adding beads to your crochet work adds an element of elegance. In this workshop participants will learn how to add beads using two different techniques. Note: participants will need to bringpony beads, and worsted weight yarn for this Workshop. A beading needle and instructions will be provided to participants.
Tuesday, May 1
Time: 12:30 - 2:30pm Cost: $20 per session, plus supplies
NEW CLASS!! Knitting for Crocheters!
Have you tried knitting but felt uncomfortable holding two needles? What if there was a way to crochet, yes crochet!, true knit stitches? Fret no more, this class will reveal the secrets on how knit and purl REAL (not Tunisian!) stitches! You'll be *amazed* at how easy it is!
Tuesday: May 22
Time: 12:30 - 2:30pm Cost: $20 per session, plus supplies
Private Instruction:
Need our Certified Crochet Teacher to yourself? Book exclusive time with Dee!
Tuesdays, May 1, 8, 15, 22; June 5, 12
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm Cost: $15 per 1/2 hour; $25 for full hour. Advanced sign-up required.
Monday, April 23, 2007
And So She's Back ...
Spring Break is officially over for my children. We spent the week dealing with water issues stemming from the heavy rains that soaked much of the NorthEast; enjoyed hanging out together doing family activities; and for me, finishing several charity projects that were on various hooks. Tonight I'll be busy tucking in all the ends and labeling them for future donation. Everyone deserves a week like that -- except for the water part. You know what I mean. :)
In all, it was a very relaxing and a productive week and I want to thank my Guest Bloggers for doing such a fantastic job filling in for me! {{insert applause here}} Thank you, Thank you!! As for the winner of my "Fruit Fantasy Hat" that appears in the newly printed "Big-Hook Crochet" book, that person's name is ...
... Robin Andersen! Congratulations Robin! (Robin, please email me with your mailing address!) Thank you again to all my Guest Bloggers!! :)
By the way, for those interested in getting this new book, or the "Hooks Only Crochet," or "From Knit to Crochet," these books that regularly sell for $20-$25 each are on sale for $7.95 at AnniesAttic. If you use this link and spend over $20, you'll get a free vinyl bag with your purchase. They have a lot of other fantastic books on sale, but since the "Big Hook Crochet" and "Hooks Only Crochet" are hot off the press -- this is an unbelievably great deal!
So ... later this week I'll be discussing my love affair with my UPS driver ... I hear him driving up the road as I type ...
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Guest Blogger: Lori
We crocheters often speak about favorite stitches, hooks and patterns we like, sharing with fellow fiberholics the joy and satisfaction we get from creating artistic and unique projects month after month. The topic we don't usually address is the reason that crochet is part of our everyday thinking, a connection to a craft that becomes part of who we are.
I had an Irish grandmother who crocheted beautiful doilies and lace items with the tiniest of hooks and I remember her creating year after year.
I looked at the lace and thought "I am not genetically able to do that so I'll go a 
What I have realized over the last few years specifically, is that crocheting became an OASIS for me, a place I can create a peaceful space for myself in the tornado of life as it were. Many life events have shaken me but I was able to cope much better because I have the positive of crochet to keep me going. I found a community of women who were unlike others because they shared the same respect and enthusiasm for the craft as I did. I found myself among the smartest, funiest, most caring and supportive people I have ever met...AND THEY LOVE TO CROCHET (what a bonus). Naturally, I must mention my teacher, Dee, the uber blogger and First Lady of crochet, as being an incredible inspiration (and occasional pain in the behind) in so many ways. Feeling a part of a community that shared your passion and commitment is a priviledge all around for which I am grateful every day.
By the way, my favorite stitch may be the CRAZY STITCH at this point.
Lori
(Note From Dee: Lori, I love that you think of me as a source of inspiration and as an occasional pain, lol. I greatly enjoy our time together too! Of course you KNOW, even with all this flattery, I'm still going to want to see you model that finished [hint hint] "Doris Chan" piece next week! {grins})